Ready for a fresh financial start in 2025? We’re With You!
Creating a budget is a great way to reset your money habits, take control of your spending and work towards your financial goals.
At Wright-Patt Credit Union® (WPCU®), we’re here to help you set yourself up for success. Follow these steps to build a budget that works for you in 2025 and beyond:
1. Start with Your GoalsFirst, take a moment to reflect on what you want to do with your money. Do you want to save up for a big expense, like a car, home downpayment or a dream vacation? Maybe your goal is to pay down high-interest-rate debt or build up your emergency fund. No matter where you are on your Financial Flexibility and Freedom® journey, knowing the direction you want to go will help you get there faster! Quick Tip: Keep your goals where you’ll see them. You could put sticky notes on your mirror or fridge, or set a photo that reminds you of your goal as the lock screen on your phone. 2. Track Your SpendingBefore making a new budget, it’s important to understand where your money is currently going. Review your accounts and statements to get a clear picture of your ongoing expenses and spending patterns. Quick Tip: Use Money Management, available within WPCU’s Mobile and Online Banking, to automatically track and categorize your spending. It’s easy and free! 3. Choose a Budgeting MethodThere are many different budgeting methods, but the best budget is one you stick to! A common place to start is the “50/30/20 budget,” which divides your income into three categories:
First, take a moment to reflect on what you want to do with your money. Do you want to save up for a big expense, like a car, home downpayment or a dream vacation? Maybe your goal is to pay down high-interest-rate debt or build up your emergency fund. No matter where you are on your Financial Flexibility and Freedom® journey, knowing the direction you want to go will help you get there faster!
Quick Tip: Keep your goals where you’ll see them. You could put sticky notes on your mirror or fridge, or set a photo that reminds you of your goal as the lock screen on your phone.
Before making a new budget, it’s important to understand where your money is currently going. Review your accounts and statements to get a clear picture of your ongoing expenses and spending patterns.
Quick Tip: Use Money Management, available within WPCU’s Mobile and Online Banking, to automatically track and categorize your spending. It’s easy and free!
There are many different budgeting methods, but the best budget is one you stick to! A common place to start is the “50/30/20 budget,” which divides your income into three categories:
Quick Tip: Utilize a budgeting calculator, like this one, to help you start building out a budget.4. Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small! It’s not easy to start a new habit and stick with it. Be sure to celebrate your financial wins along the way, whether it’s hitting a savings goal or paying off a credit card or loan. Quick Tip: When you reach a goal, reward yourself with a small treat or special activity within your budget. You’ve earned it!
Quick Tip: Utilize a budgeting calculator, like this one, to help you start building out a budget.
It’s not easy to start a new habit and stick with it. Be sure to celebrate your financial wins along the way, whether it’s hitting a savings goal or paying off a credit card or loan.
Quick Tip: When you reach a goal, reward yourself with a small treat or special activity within your budget. You’ve earned it!
As your caring financial partner, WPCU is here to help you make the most of your hard-earned money every day. You can always meet one-on-one with a WPCU Financial Coach to create a custom spending plan that works for you and your goals!
Visit your nearest Member Center and see how we can help you make 2025 your best financial year yet!